| The Government is launching a new scheme in April | | | | signed by the doctor or registered midwife who has |
| 2009 to help expectant mums stay healthy throughout | | | | been supporting them during their pregnancy. One of |
| the course of their pregnancy. The "Health in | | | | the requirements for mothers to claim the grant is that |
| Pregnancy Grant" (HiPG) is a one off payment | | | | they are seeking professional health advice and |
| available to soon to be mothers from the 25th week | | | | pregnancy information [1]. Pregnant mums will be able |
| of their pregnancy. The aim of the payment of | | | | to get a claim form from their midwife or doctor who |
| £190 is to encourage women to stay healthy | | | | will fill out and sign their part of the form before giving it |
| through lifestyle and diet in the later stages of | | | | to you. This will hopefully provide an incentive for more |
| pregnancy and to help prepare for the birth of their | | | | expectant mums to get the recommended |
| baby. | | | | professional pregnancy and health advice at key |
| Keeping up a healthy diet and lifestyle is key in all | | | | stages of their pregnancy. |
| stages throughout the course of a pregnancy | | | | The 25 week antenatal appointment recommended |
| especially during the final weeks. The government | | | | for first time mums is a key stage in monitoring a |
| already offers low income families and mothers a | | | | pregnant mum's progress and the grant has been tied |
| "Sure Start Maternity Grant" that helps with costs | | | | in specifically to coincide with this appointment. |
| linked to the child's birth and "Healthy Start Vouchers" | | | | Healthcare professionals will be able to give mothers |
| that provide mums with extra money for fruit, | | | | information on the forms and advice on how to claim |
| vegetables and milk during their pregnancy. The aim of | | | | whilst they are at this antenatal appointment. |
| the HiPG is in addition to the current benefits and is not | | | | The grant itself is to be administered by the HM |
| related to income. | | | | Revenue and Customs, is non-taxable or means |
| Women who would like to take advantage of this | | | | tested and will not affect the benefits that expectant |
| scheme will need to submit a claim form and have it | | | | mums may already be receiving. |